Lee 90717 Collet 2-Die Set 303 British

Lee Precision 90717 Collet 2-Die Set for .303 British: Master Your Rifle's Performance

For dedicated rifle shooters, vintage firearm enthusiasts, and precision handloaders, the journey to achieving optimal accuracy and extending component life often leads to specialized reloading tools. The Lee Precision 90717 Collet 2-Die Set, specifically designed for the venerable .303 British cartridge, represents a cornerstone for those serious about their ammunition. This isn't just a set of dies; it's a precision engineering solution crafted to unlock the full potential of your .303 British rifle, whether it's a classic Lee-Enfield, a Martini-Henry, or another treasured firearm chambered in this historic caliber.

Who is This Collet Die Set For?

This Lee Collet 2-Die Set is an indispensable tool for a specific kind of reloader:

• Precision Handloaders: If you meticulously craft every round and strive for sub-MOA groups, the ability to control neck tension and minimize runout is paramount.
• Vintage Rifle Enthusiasts: Owners of classic .303 British rifles, especially military surplus firearms like the Lee-Enfield SMLE or No. 4, often contend with chambers that vary significantly. Full-length sizing can overwork brass, leading to short case life and poor accuracy. Neck sizing with a collet die preserves the brass's custom fit to your chamber.
• Cost-Conscious Shooters: With the rising cost of factory ammunition, particularly for less common calibers like the .303 British, reloading offers significant savings. Extending brass life exponentially with neck sizing further enhances these savings.
• Hunters and Competitive Shooters: For those who demand consistent performance and maximum accuracy from their hunting or target loads, this die set provides the foundation for superior ammunition.

The Core Problem: Inconsistent Ammunition and Short Brass Life

Traditional full-length sizing dies, while necessary for rounds used in multiple firearms or semi-automatic actions, often overwork cartridge brass. This process resizes the entire case body and neck, regardless of how much it expanded in your specific chamber. The consequences are several:

• Reduced Brass Life: Each time brass is sized down and then expands again upon firing, it undergoes stress. Excessive sizing, especially of the case body, causes "work hardening" and leads to premature case head separation or splits in the neck.
• Poor Concentricity (Runout): When the case neck is resized, and then a bullet is seated, any slight misalignment can result in the bullet not being perfectly centered with the case. This "runout" is a major contributor to poor accuracy, as the bullet enters the barrel slightly off-axis.
• Suboptimal Accuracy: Inconsistent neck tension and significant runout mean that each round may not perform identically, leading to larger group sizes and reduced confidence in your rifle's capabilities.

The Lee Collet Die Solution: Precision Neck Sizing for Superior Performance

The heart of the Lee 90717 set is the innovative Collet Die. Unlike conventional sizing dies, the Lee Collet Die employs a unique mechanism to resize only the case neck, and it does so with exceptional precision.

• How the Collet Die Works: When you raise the ram, the shell holder brings the case into the die. A collet, composed of four segments, then clamps onto the case neck. Simultaneously, a mandrel is pushed down through the case neck. The collet squeezes the brass neck onto the precision-ground mandrel. This action sizes the neck to the exact diameter required for optimal bullet retention while leaving the case body unsized.
• Precisely Aligned Case Neck: Because the collet squeezes the neck concentrically around the mandrel, the resulting case neck is perfectly aligned with the case body. This significantly reduces "runout" – the measurable wobble of a bullet when seated in a cartridge. Minimal runout translates directly to improved bullet flight and superior accuracy.
• Reduced Work Hardening and Extended Brass Life: By only sizing the neck and leaving the fire-formed case body untouched, the brass is not subjected to the repeated stress of full-length sizing. This dramatically extends the life of your precious .303 British brass, often allowing for dozens of reloads before the brass shows signs of fatigue. For enthusiasts of historic military firearms, where finding quality .303 British brass can be a challenge, this longevity is invaluable.
• Custom Fit to Your Chamber: Since the case body remains fire-formed to your rifle's specific chamber, each reloaded round acts almost like a custom-fit cartridge, optimizing gas sealing and potentially enhancing accuracy, especially in rifles with slightly oversized or inconsistent chambers.

Key Components and Their Advantages

The Lee 90717 Collet 2-Die Set for .303 British is more than just a collet die. It's a comprehensive system designed for efficient and precise reloading.

1. The Lee Collet Die

• Precision Neck Sizing: As detailed above, this die uses a collet to squeeze the case neck against a mandrel, ensuring perfectly concentric neck sizing and consistent neck tension.
• Minimizes Runout: By eliminating off-center neck sizing, this die drastically reduces bullet runout, a critical factor for achieving supreme accuracy.
• Extends Brass Life: Preserves the fire-formed fit of the case body to your chamber, greatly reducing the stress on the brass and extending its useful life for many more reloading cycles. This is particularly beneficial for the .303 British, where brass availability can sometimes be limited or costly.
• No Lubrication Required for Sizing: Because only the case neck is resized and it is compressed by the collet, the Collet Die does not require case lubrication for the sizing process. This saves time and and eliminates the messy clean-up associated with lubricated cases.

2. The Lee Dead Length Bullet Seater Die

• Consistent Seating Depth: This innovative seater die works by pushing the bullet directly into the case, completely independent of the shell holder. Unlike traditional seater dies that can sometimes "iron out" the case mouth or produce inconsistent seating, the Dead Length Seater ensures that the bullet is seated to the exact desired depth every time.
• No Crushed Cases: The design prevents accidental case crushing, a common issue with some other seater dies, by supporting the case and bullet during the seating process.
• Optimized for Precision: By providing perfectly consistent seating depth, this die contributes significantly to the uniformity of your reloaded ammunition, which directly impacts downrange accuracy.

3. Shell Holder

• Universal Compatibility: The included shell holder is specifically designed for the .303 British case head, ensuring a secure and proper fit in your reloading press. It's compatible with most standard reloading presses.

4. Powder Dipper

• Quick Start to Loading: While serious reloaders will often graduate to precision powder scales and dispensers, the included powder dipper provides a convenient and safe way to begin loading, especially for initial load development or for those who prefer volumetric measuring for certain applications. Each dipper is calibrated for a specific volume of powder, offering a reliable starting point.

5. Instructions and Load Data

• Comprehensive Guidance: Lee Precision is renowned for providing clear, concise instructions that make reloading accessible even for beginners.
• Reliable Load Data: The included load data offers tested and safe recipes for the .303 British, allowing you to start reloading with confidence. Always cross-reference with multiple reputable load data sources as you gain experience.

Why Reload .303 British?

The .303 British cartridge holds a unique place in firearms history, having served in countless conflicts and with millions of rifles worldwide. Reloading this caliber offers compelling advantages:

• Economic Savings: Factory .303 British ammunition can be expensive and sometimes scarce. Handloading significantly reduces the cost per round, allowing for more trigger time.
• Tailored Performance: Every rifle is unique, and factory ammunition may not unlock its full accuracy potential. Reloading allows you to fine-tune bullet types, powder charges, and seating depths to create custom loads that perform optimally in your specific .303 British rifle. This is especially true for older rifles with bore variations.
• Preservation of Vintage Firearms: Using custom-tailored loads can sometimes be gentler on older rifles than modern, high-pressure factory ammunition.
• The Satisfaction of Craft: There's immense satisfaction in producing your own high-quality ammunition, knowing that each component was selected and assembled with care.

Common Questions Answered by This Die Set

Reloaders often ask specific questions related to accuracy, brass life, and equipment choices. The Lee 90717 Collet 2-Die Set provides clear answers:

• "How can I improve the accuracy of my .303 British rifle?"
  • One of the most impactful ways is by minimizing ammunition runout and achieving consistent neck tension. The Lee Collet Die excels at this, creating perfectly concentric cartridge necks.
• "My .303 British brass is cracking after only a few reloads. How can I extend its life?"
  • The primary cause of premature brass failure is over-working the brass through excessive full-length sizing. The Lee Collet Die, by only sizing the neck and preserving the fire-formed body, dramatically extends brass life, allowing for many more reloads.
• "What are the best dies for reloading .303 British, especially for a classic Enfield?"
  • For bolt-action or single-shot rifles with consistent chambers, neck sizing dies like the Lee Collet Die are often considered superior for accuracy and brass longevity compared to full-length sizing dies. They create ammunition custom-fitted to your specific rifle's chamber.
• "Do I need to lubricate my cases with Lee Collet Dies?"
  • No. The design of the Lee Collet Die, which compresses the neck rather than drawing it through a sizing ring, means that case lubrication is not required for the sizing step. This saves time and effort.
• "How do Lee Dead Length Seater Dies ensure consistent bullet seating?"
  • The Dead Length Seater die operates by directly pushing the bullet into the case without relying on shell holder contact. This eliminates common variables that can lead to inconsistent seating depth, ensuring each bullet is seated precisely.

Achieving Optimal Results with Your Lee Collet Die Set

While the Lee Collet Die Set simplifies precision reloading, here are a few tips for maximizing its benefits for your .303 British ammunition:

• Clean Brass: Always start with clean, deburred, and chamfered brass. This ensures smooth operation and consistent results.
• Monitor Neck Tension: While the collet die provides consistent neck tension, experiment with different bullet types to find the ideal balance for your rifle.
• Annealing: For ultimate brass longevity, consider annealing your .303 British cases after several firings. This process softens the case neck and shoulder, making them less prone to cracking and extending their lifespan further.
• Test and Observe: The beauty of handloading is the ability to experiment. Develop different loads and test them in your rifle to find the most accurate combination. Pay attention to group sizes and brass condition.
• Storage: Store your dies properly to prevent rust and damage. A light coating of rust preventative is recommended for long-term storage.

Why Choose Lee Precision?

Lee Precision has been a trusted name in reloading for decades, known for its innovative designs, robust construction, and commitment to providing high-quality tools at an accessible price point. The 90717 Collet 2-Die Set for .303 British exemplifies this commitment, offering advanced precision features that were once only available in much more expensive die sets.

• Innovation: Lee is a leader in introducing new concepts that make reloading easier, safer, and more precise for the everyday shooter.
• Durability: Constructed from high-quality steel, Lee dies are built to withstand years of heavy use.
• Value: Lee Precision consistently delivers exceptional value, providing professional-grade results without the premium price tag.
• Support: With clear instructions and readily available parts, Lee stands behind its products.

In conclusion, for any reloader seeking to elevate their .303 British rifle's performance, extend the life of their precious brass, and achieve unparalleled accuracy, the Lee Precision 90717 Collet 2-Die Set is an essential investment. It simplifies the path to crafting custom, high-precision ammunition, transforming your shooting experience. This and many other essential reloading components are available at DEGuns, your trusted source for firearms and shooting accessories.